Surgical handle assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a movable handle member and a switch configured to provide two or more modes of operation for the movable handle member and a driving pawl pivotally connected to a swing wheel configured to advance an actuation shaft linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of the movable handle member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical handle assembly,and more particularly, to a surgical handle assembly configured toprovide two or more modes of operation.

BACKGROUND

A surgical handle assembly can be used in a number of surgical devices.One example includes use as a surgical stapler. A surgical stapler is afastening device used to clamp tissue between opposing jaw structures tojoin tissue using surgical fasteners. Surgical staplers can include twoelongated members used to clamp the tissue. One of the elongated memberscan include one or more reloadable cartridges and the other elongatedmember can include an anvil that can be used to form a staple whendriven from the reloadable cartridge. A surgical stapler can receive oneor more reloadable cartridges. An example of reloadable cartridges caninclude having rows of staples having a linear length. For example, arow of staples can have a linear length between 30 mm and 60 mm. Astaple can be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member that is apart of the surgical handle assembly of the surgical stapler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical stapling apparatus includinga surgical handle assembly in accordance with a number of embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a firstmode and a first movable handle member position in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a firstmode and a second movable handle member position in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a secondmode and a first movable handle member position in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a secondmode and a second movable handle member position in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly including afirst opening, a second opening, and a slot in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly including acoupling point opening in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handleassembly. An example apparatus includes a movable handle member and modeselection capability, e.g. a switch, configured to provide two or moremodes of operation for the movable handle member. A driving pawl can bepivotally connected to a swing wheel to advance an actuation shaftlinearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of the movablehandle member.

In a number of embodiments, the mode selection capability can be aswitch. The surgical handle assembly is described with the switchexample throughout the present disclosure for ease of understanding andillustration; however embodiments are not limited to a switch. Forexample, the switch can include a first pin and a second pin to setmodes of operation. While a first pin and a second pin are shown byexample, more than two pins and/or two modes of operation are includedin the embodiments disclosed herein. In this example, the first pin whenset to a particular position can provide a first mode of operation forthe movable handle member. The second pin when set to a particularposition can provide a second mode of operation for the movable handlemember. Use of the surgical handle assembly with a surgical stapler inthe first mode of operation can advance an actuation shaft a firstdistance in the distal direction and coupled to a reloadable cartridgecan deploy a first number of staples. Use of the surgical handleassembly with a surgical stapler in the second mode of operation canadvance an actuation shaft a second distance in a distal direction andcoupled to a reloadable cartridge can deploy a second, different numberof staples. In a number of embodiments, the first mode of operation orthe second mode of operation can be selected based on the type of tissuebeing fastened, a number of staples to be deployed, speed of staplesbeing deployed, and/or an amount of force to be applied by a user toactuate the movable handle member, for example. A mode of operation canbe selected based on the type of tissue being fastened, for example,when the tissue is thick, the user may use a mode that requires lessforce to be applied. A mode that requires less force also may be usedwhen the user is fatigued or physically unable to use a mode thatrequires more force, for example. A mode of operation can be selectedbased on speed of staples being deployed to lower edema, e.g. less bloodin area being stapled, to allow stapling of tissue rather than blood.

In a number of embodiments, the movable handle member may be coupled toa swing wheel. In this manner, the movable handle member and swing wheelmay pivot around the first pin at a first pivot point during a firstmode. The first pin can be connected to the movable handle member via afirst opening in the swing wheel and movable handle member to engage themovable handle member. In a number of embodiments, the movable handlemember and swing wheel may pivot around the second pin at a second pivotpoint during a second mode. The second pin can be connected to themovable handle member via a second opening in the swing wheel andmovable handle member to engage the movable handle member. The secondpin is not coupled to the movable handle member via the second openingwhile in the first mode of operation. The first pin is not coupled tothe movable handle member via the first opening while in the second modeof operation.

In a number of embodiments, transition from the first mode of operationto the second mode of operation can be accomplished by removing thefirst pin from the first opening while engaging the second pin with thesecond opening. The switch may be moved from a first position to asecond position in order to engage and/or disengage the first and secondpins with their respective openings. Transition from the second mode ofoperation to the first mode of operation can be accomplished by removingthe second pin from the second opening while engaging the first pin withthe first opening. Here, the switch may be moved from a second positionto a first position to engage and/or disengage the first and second pinswith their respective openings.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodimentsof the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art topractice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, andstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

As used herein, designators such as “X”, “Y”, “N”, “M”, etc.,particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings,indicate that a number of the particular feature so designated can beincluded. It is also to be understood that the terminology used hereinis for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” can include both singular and plural referents, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, “a number of”, “atleast one”, and “one or more” (e.g., a number of pivot points) can referto one or more pivot points, whereas a “plurality of” is intended torefer to more than one of such things. Furthermore, the words “can” and“may” are used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e.,having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e.,must). The term “include,” and derivations thereof, means “including,but not limited to”. The terms “coupled” and “coupling” mean to bedirectly or indirectly connected physically or for access to andmovement of the movable handle member, as appropriate to the context.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the figure number and the remaining digitsidentify an element or component in the figure. Similar elements orcomponents between different figures may be identified by the use ofsimilar digits. For example, 210 may reference element “10” in FIG. 2A,and a similar element may be referenced as 310 in FIG. 3A. As will beappreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can beadded, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number ofadditional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, theproportion and/or the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical stapling apparatus 102including a surgical handle assembly 106 in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure. In the example, a surgicalstapler apparatus 102 can include a surgical handle assembly 106 and areloadable cartridge assembly 103. As shown in the example of FIG. 1,the reloadable cartridge assembly 103, e.g. a disposable loading unit,can be releasably secured to a distal end of an elongated body of thesurgical handle assembly 106. In this example, the reloadable cartridgeassembly 103 can include a first elongated member 104 and a secondelongated member 105 that can be used to clamp tissue. One of theelongated members can house one or more staple cartridges. The otherelongated member can have an anvil that can be used to form a staplewhen driven from the staple cartridge. As mentioned, a surgical staplingapparatus 102 can receive reloadable cartridge assemblies having rows ofstaples. In a number of embodiments, third party reloadable cartridgeand/or reloadable cartridge assemblies may be used with the surgicalhandle assembly 106 and embodiments of surgical handle assembly 106 maybe configured to receive the same. A staple can be ejected by actuationof a movable handle member 110 that is a part of a surgical handleassembly 106 to the surgical stapling apparatus 102. Actuation of themovable handle member 110 can actuate the actuation shaft (e.g.actuation shaft 240 in FIG. 2A) to eject a number of staples. Forexample, in a first mode of operation, actuation of the movable handlemember 110 may eject 30 staples. In a second mode, actuation of themovable handle member 110 may eject 60 staples. However, embodiments arenot limited to a particular number of staples ejected in the first orsecond mode. Further, embodiments are not limited to use with a surgicalstapling apparatus. The surgical handle assembly 106 is described withthe surgical stapling apparatus 102 example throughout the presentdisclosure for ease of understanding and illustration.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a firstmode and in a first movable handle member position (e.g., “ready”position) in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The surgical handle apparatus 206 can include a movablehandle member 210, a switch 220, and a driving pawl 230. The switch 220can provide two or more modes of operation for the movable handle member210. The driving pawl 230 in a number of embodiments can be pivotallyconnected to a swing wheel 226 and can be configured to advance anactuation shaft 240 linearly in a distal direction in response toactuation of the movable handle member 210.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 206 can be in afirst mode, as shown in FIG. 2A. The surgical handle assembly 206, in afirst mode, can have a first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5)between a pivot point around first pin 222 to a coupling pin 232 of thedriving pawl 230. The surgical handle assembly 206, in a second mode,can have a second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) between a pivotpoint around second pin 224 to the coupling pin 232 of the driving pawl230. In this example, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5)is longer than the first distance (e.g. first distance 513 in FIG. 5).In a number of embodiments, a number of pivot points can exist and apivot point can be around a pin placed in an opening in the movablehandle 210. In FIG. 2A, in the first mode, a first pin 222 can becoupled to the movable handle member 210 in a first opening and a secondpin 224 can be disengaged from the second opening (e.g. second opening454 in FIG. 4) so as not to be coupled to the movable handle member 210.In the first mode the first pin 222 can serve as the pivot point for themovable handle member 210 with the first distance (e.g. distance 513 inFIG. 5) between the pivot point and coupling pin 232. In a second mode,a second pin 224 can be coupled to the movable handle member 210. Inthis example, the first pin 222 can be disengaged from the first opening(e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4) so as not to be coupled to themovable handle member 210. In the second mode the second pin 224 canserve as the pivot point for the movable handle member 210. In thisexample, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) is longerthan the first distance (e.g. first distance 513 in FIG. 5). As such, inthe first mode, when the first pin 222 is the pivot point, an amount offorce used to advance the actuation shaft 240 linearly in a distaldirection is less than an amount of force used to advance the actuationshaft 240 linearly in the distal direction in a second mode ofoperation, using the second pin 224 as the pivot point. In this example,the amount of force used is less in the first mode than in the secondmode due to the distance between the pivot point and the coupling pin232 of the driving pawl 230 and because the travel distance is less.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 206 can be in afirst mode. In a first mode, the surgical handle assembly 206 canoperate to advance the actuation shaft 240 a third distance (e.g.distance 544 in FIG. 5). The third distance (e.g. distance 544 in FIG.5) is a length of advance of the actuation shaft 240 in a distaldirection, upon actuation of the movable handle member 210 in the firstmode. The surgical handle assembly 206 can alternatively be changed to asecond mode of operation. In a second mode, the surgical handle assembly206 can operate to advance the actuation shaft 240 a fourth distance(e.g. distance 546 in FIG. 5). The fourth distance (e.g. distance 546 inFIG. 5) is a length of advance of the actuation shaft 240 in the distaldirection upon actuation of the movable handle member 210 in the secondmode. In this example, the fourth distance (e.g. distance 546 in FIG. 5)is longer than the third distance (e.g. third distance 544 in FIG. 5).

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 206 can be in aready position, as shown in FIG. 2A. In the ready position, the surgicalhandle assembly 206 is ready to advance the actuation shaft 240 linearlyin a distal direction upon actuation of the movable handle member 210.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a firstmode and a second movable handle member position (e.g. a “compressed”and/or “closed” position) in accordance with a number of embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The surgical handle assembly 206 can include amovable handle member 210, a switch 220, and a driving pawl 230. Theswitch 220 can provide two or more modes of operation for the movablehandle member 210. The driving pawl 230 in a number of embodiments canbe pivotally connected to a swing wheel 226 and can be configured toadvance an actuation shaft 240 linearly in a distal direction inresponse to actuation of the movable handle member 210.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 206 can be in afirst mode, as shown in FIG. 2B. The surgical handle assembly 206, in afirst mode, can have a first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5)between the pivot point around first pin 222 to a coupling pin 232 ofthe driving pawl 230. The surgical handle assembly 206, in a secondmode, can have a second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) from thepivot point around second pin 224 to the coupling pin 232 of the drivingpawl 230. In this example, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 inFIG. 5) is longer than the first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5).In a number of embodiments, a number of pivot points can exist and apivot point can be around a pin placed in an opening in the movablehandle 210. In FIG. 2B, in the first mode, the first pin 222 can becoupled to the movable handle member 210 in a first opening (e.g. firstopening 452 in FIG. 4) and the second pin 224 can be disengaged from asecond opening (e.g. second opening 454 in FIG. 4) so as not to becoupled to the movable handle member 2010. In the first mode, the firstpin 222 can serve as the pivot point for the movable handle member 210with the first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5) between the pivotpoint and coupling pin 232. In the second mode the second pin 224 canserve as the pivot point for the movable handle member 210. In thisexample, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) is longerthan the first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5). Again, in thefirst mode, when the first pin 222 is the pivot point, an amount offorce used to advance the actuation shaft 240 linearly in a distaldirection is less than an amount of force used to advance the actuationshaft linearly in the distal direction in a second mode of operation,using the second pin 224 as the pivot point. In this example, the amountof force is less in the first mode than in the second mode due to thedistance between the pivot point and the coupling pin 232 of the drivingpawl 230 and the travel distance is less.

In a first mode, the surgical handle assembly 206 can operate to advancethe actuation shaft 240 a third distance (e.g. third distance 544 inFIG. 5). The third distance (e.g. distance 544 in FIG. 5) is a length ofadvance of the actuation shaft 240 in a distal direction, upon actuationof the movable handle member 210. The surgical handle assembly 206 canbe in a second mode. In a second mode, the surgical handle assembly 206can operate to advance the actuation shaft 240 a fourth distance (e.g.distance 546 in FIG. 5). The fourth distance (e.g. distance 546 in FIG.5) is a length of advance of the actuation shaft 240 in the distaldirection. In this example, the fourth distance (e.g. distance 546 inFIG. 5) is longer than the third distance (e.g. distance 544 in FIG. 5).In a number of embodiments the fourth distance can be twice as long asthe third distance. As such, the actuation shaft 240 can be advancedtwice as far in the second mode than in the first mode

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 206 can be in aclosed position, as shown in FIG. 2B. As will be explained more inconnection with FIG. 4. In a closed position, the surgical handleassembly 206 can prevent the actuation shaft 240 from moving linearly ina distal and/or proximal direction upon release of the movable handlemember 210 by having the driving pawl 230 disengage from teeth of aratchet associated with the actuation shaft 240 and reengage with teethfurther back at a starting point of the ratchet.

In a number of embodiments, the pivot point of the surgical handleassembly 206 can be changed using the switch 220. In an example, theswitch 220, when actuated, can rotate a gear 223. The gear 223 cancontact one or more gears of the first pin 222 and one or more gears ofthe second pin 224. The surgical handle assembly 206 can be placed inthe first mode when the switch 220 is actuated in a first direction.When the switch 220 is actuated in the first direction, the gear 223 canrotate in a first rotational direction. When the gear 223 is rotated ina first rotational direction the gear 223 can insert the first pin 222into a first opening (e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4) and can removethe second pin 224 from a second opening (e.g. second opening 454 inFIG. 4). The surgical handle assembly 206 can be placed in the secondmode when the switch 220 is actuated in a second direction. When theswitch 220 is actuated in the second direction the gear can rotate in asecond rotational direction. When the gear 223 is rotated in a secondrotational direction the gear 223 can insert the second pin 224 into asecond opening (e.g. second opening 454 in FIG. 4) and can remove thefirst pin 222 from the first opening (e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4).This example is used throughout the present disclosure for ease ofunderstanding and illustration. Embodiments are not limited to a gear(e.g., gear 223 in FIG. 2A, for example) to transition between modes ofoperation. A number of mechanisms (e.g. a switch) to insert and remove anumber of pins in a number of openings in a moveable handle member foroperation in a number of modes can be used in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure to transition between modes ofoperation. For example, a push pin can be used to switch the surgicalhandle assembly 206 from one mode to another. A switch can be coupled toa first pin and a second pin such that when the first pin is pushed intothe first opening (e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4) the second pin isremoved from the second opening (e.g. second opening 454 in FIG. 4). Aswell as when the second pin is pushed into the second opening (e.g.second opening 454 in FIG. 4) the first pin is removed from the firstopening (e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4).

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a secondmode and a first movable handle position (e.g., “ready” position) inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thesurgical handle assembly 306 can include a movable handle member 310, aswitch 320, and a driving pawl 330. The switch 320 can provide two ormore modes of operation for the movable handle member 310. The drivingpawl 330 in a number of embodiments can be pivotally connected to theswing wheel 326 and can be configured to advance an actuation shaft 340linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of the movablehandle member 310.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 306 can be in asecond mode, as shown in FIG. 3A. The surgical handle assembly 306, in asecond mode, can have a second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5)between the pivot point around a second pin 324 to the coupling pin 332of the driving pawl 330. In this example, the second distance is longerthan the first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5). In a number ofembodiments a number of pivot points can exist and a pivot point can bearound a pin placed in an opening in the movable handle 310. In FIG. 3A,in a second mode, a second pin 324 can be coupled to the movable handlemember 310. In this example, the first pin 322 can be disengaged fromthe first opening (e.g. first opening 452 in FIG. 4) so as not to becoupled to the movable handle member 310. In the second mode the secondpin 324 can serve as the pivot point for the movable handle member 310.In a number of embodiments, the driving pawl 330 is configured tocontact a toothed rack 342 of the actuation shaft 340 to advance theactuation shaft linearly in a distal direction. The actuation shaft 340can be advanced in response to actuation of the movable handle member310. In this example, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5)is longer than the first distance (e.g. first distance 513 in FIG. 5).As such, when the second pin 324 is the pivot point, the second modeoperation advances twice as many ratchets of the toothed rack 342 thanthe first mode of operation. In this example, twice as many ratchets areadvanced in the second mode due to the distance between the pivot pointand the coupling pin 332 of the driving pawl 330.

In a number of embodiments, a swing wheel 326 is connected to themovable handle member 310. Also, in a number of embodiments, the movablehandle member can include a coupling opening (e.g. coupling opening 516in FIG. 5). The swing wheel 326 and the coupling opening (e.g. couplingopening 516 in FIG. 5) can be used in the second mode of operation toallow transfer of force from the movable handle member 310 to thedriving pawl 330. Transferring the force from the movable handle member310 to the driving pawl 330 allows the actuation shaft 340 to advancelinearly in the distal direction.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 306 can be in aready position, as shown in FIG. 3A. In the ready position the surgicalhandle assembly 306 is ready to advance the actuation shaft 340 linearlyin a distal direction upon actuation of the movable handle member 310.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly in a secondmode and a second movable handle member position (e.g. a “compressed”and/or “closed” position) in accordance with a number of embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The surgical handle assembly 306 can include amovable handle member 310, a switch 320, and a driving pawl 330. Theswitch 320 can provide two or more modes of operation for the movablehandle member 310. The driving pawl 330 in a number of embodiments canbe pivotally connected to the swing wheel 326 and can be configured toadvance an actuation shaft 340 linearly in a distal direction inresponse to actuation of the movable handle member 310.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 306 can be in asecond mode, as shown in FIG. 3B. The surgical handle assembly 306, inthe second mode, can have a second distance (e.g. second distance 515 inFIG. 5) from the pivot point around the second pin 324 to the couplingpin 332 of the driving pawl 330. In this example, the second distance(e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) is longer than the first distance (e.g.first distance 513 in FIG. 5). In a number of embodiments a number ofpivot points can exist and a pivot point can be around a pin placed inan opening in the movable handle 310. In a second mode, a second pin 324can be coupled to the movable handle member 310. In this example, thefirst pin 322 can be disengaged from the first opening (e.g. firstopening 452 in FIG. 4) so as not to be coupled to the movable handlemember 310. In the second mode the second pin 324 can serve as the pivotpoint for the movable handle member 310. In the second mode the secondpin 324 can serve as the pivot point for the movable handle member 310.In this example, the second distance (e.g. distance 515 in FIG. 5) islonger than the first distance (e.g. distance 513 in FIG. 5). In anumber of embodiments, the driving pawl 330 is configured to contact atoothed rack 342 of an actuation shaft 340 to advance the actuationshaft linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of themovable handle member 310. In this example, the second distance (e.g.distance 515 in FIG. 5) is longer than the first distance (e.g. firstdistance 513 in FIG. 5). As such, when the second pin 324 serves as thepivot point, the second mode of operation advances the actuation shaft340 twice as far and advances twice as many ratchets of the toothed rackthan the first mode of operation. In this example, the actuation shaft340 is advanced twice as far and twice as many ratchets are advanced inthe second mode due to the distance between the pivot point and thecoupling pin 332 of the driving pawl 330.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 306 can be in aclosed position, as shown in FIG. 3B. In a closed position, the surgicalhandle assembly 306 can prevent the actuation shaft 340 from movinglinearly in a distal and/or proximal direction upon release of themovable handle member 310.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly including afirst opening, a second opening, and a slot in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the movable handlemember 410 can include a first opening 452 and a second opening 454. Thefirst pin (e.g. first pin 222 in FIG. 2A) can be inserted into the firstopening 452 for the first mode. The second pin (e.g. second pin 224 inFIG. 2A) can be inserted into the second opening 454 for the secondmode. In a number of embodiments, the swing wheel 426 can include a slot428. The slot 428 can allow the swing wheel 426 to rotate whether thefirst pin (e.g. first pin 222 in FIG. 2A) is inserted into the firstopening 452 or the first pin (e.g. first pin 222 in FIG. 2A) is removedfrom the first opening 452.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a surgical handle assembly including acoupling opening 516 in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In a number of embodiments, the movable handlemember 510 can include a coupling opening 516. The coupling pin (e.g.coupling pin 232 in FIG. 2A) can be pivotally connected to the couplingopening 516. The coupling opening 516 can allow the actuation shaft 540to advance linearly in the distal direction without coupling pin 232binding due to the shape of the coupling opening 516. The couplingopening 516 shape, for example, can be a “U” shape, e.g. saddle,allowing degrees of translation and movement in contrast to being afixed point.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 506 can be in afirst mode. In the first mode, the first pin (e.g. first pin 222 in FIG.2A) serves as the pivot point, having a first distance 513. In a secondmode, the second pin (e.g. second pin 224 in FIG. 2A) serves as thepivot point, having a second distance 515. In this example, the seconddistance 515 is longer than the first distance 513.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 506 can be in afirst mode having a third distance 544. The third distance 544 is alength of advance of the actuation shaft 540 in the distal direction.The surgical handle assembly 506 can be in a second mode having a fourthdistance 546. The fourth distance 546 is a length of advance of theactuation shaft 540 in the distal direction. In this example, the fourthdistance 546 is longer than the third distance 544.

FIG. 5 illustrates the surgical handle assembly 506 in a second mode andthe movable handle member 510 in a closed position. The driving pawl(e.g. driving pawl 230 in FIG. 2A), in this example, is at the end ofthe fourth distance 546 and has fully advanced the actuation shaft 540for an actuation of the movable handle member 510 in the second mode ofoperation. In a first mode and when the movable handle member 510 is ina closed position, the driving pawl (e.g. driving pawl 230 in FIG. 2A)can be at the end of the third distance 544 and has fully advanced theactuation shaft 540 for an actuation of the movable handle member 510 inthe first mode of operation.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anarrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coveradaptations or variations of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has beenmade in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinationof the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications inwhich the above structures and processes are used. Therefore, the scopeof one or more embodiments of the present disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, some features are groupedtogether in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the presentdisclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical handle assembly apparatus, comprising:a movable handle member; a switch configured to: provide two or moremodes of operation for the movable handle member; and a driving pawlpivotally connected to a swing wheel configured to: advance an actuationshaft linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of themovable handle member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an amount offorce used to advance the actuation shaft linearly in the distaldirection in a first mode of operation is less than an amount of forceused to advance the actuation shaft linearly in the distal direction ina second mode of operation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein alength of advance of the actuation shaft in the distal direction in afirst mode of operation is less than a length of advance of theactuation shaft in the distal direction in a second mode of operation.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swing wheel is connected to themovable handle member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the swingwheel is used in a second mode of operation to allow the actuation shaftto advance linearly in the distal direction.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the switch includes a first pin and a second pin.
 7. Asurgical handle assembly apparatus, comprising: a movable handle member;a swing wheel connected to the movable handle member; a switch includinga first pin to provide a first mode of operation for the movable handlemember and a second pin to provide a second mode of operation for themovable handle member; and a driving pawl pivotally connected to theswing wheel configured to advance an actuation shaft linearly in adistal direction in response to actuation of the movable handle member.8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first mode of operation deploysa first number of staples and the second mode of operation deploys asecond number of staples.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the firstmode of operation or the second mode of operation is selected based ontype of tissue.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle pivotsaround the first pin at a first pivot point during a first mode.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle pivots around the second pin ata second pivot point during a second mode.
 12. The apparatus of claim10, wherein a first pin is connected to the movable handle member via afirst opening in the movable handle member for the first mode ofoperation.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a second pin isconnected to the movable handle member via a second opening in themovable handle member for the second mode of operation.
 14. A surgicalhandle assembly apparatus, comprising: a movable handle member; a swingwheel connected to the movable handle member; a switch configured toconnect a first pin to the movable handle member via a first openingduring a first mode of operation and to connect a second pin to themovable handle member via a second opening during a second mode ofoperation; and a driving pawl pivotally connected to the swing wheelconfigured to contact a toothed rack of an actuation shaft to advancethe actuation shaft linearly in a distal direction in response toactuation of the movable handle member.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first mode operation advances fewer ratchets of the toothedrack than the second mode of operation.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the movable handle member includes a first pivot point aroundthe first pin and a second pivot point around the second pin.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the first pin is not coupled to themovable handle member via the first opening during the second mode ofoperation.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second pin is notcoupled to the movable handle member via the second opening during thefirst mode of operation.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein theswitch is configured to transition from the first mode of operation tothe second mode of operation by removing the first pin from the firstopening while engaging the second pin with the second opening.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein actuation of the movable handle member inthe first mode of operation uses less force than actuation of themovable handle member in the second mode of operation.